Cop, wife killed in suspected murder-suicide

BLOEMFONTEIN, December 1 (ANA) - Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Lebeoana Tsumane has noted with dismay the discovery of the bodies of a police detective and his wife at a home in Botshabelo on Friday in a suspected murder-suicide.

In a statement, police said they were alerted to the incident by the sister of the deceased police officer after she made the gruesome discovery in the early hours of Friday morning.

"This, after she woke up to notice a suspicious message from his brother and went to investigate," police spokesperson Colonel Thandi Mbambo said. "On arrival at the house in F-Section, Botshabelo, she found the bodies of her brother and his wife in the bedroom and alerted the police.

"On arrival, the police found the 30-year-old wife with three bullet wounds, two to the chest and one in the head, and the 36-year-old (police) member who was attached to the Provincial Trio Task team was found with a bullet wound to the head. An official firearm was also found at the scene."

The motive of the killing is unknown and a case of murder and inquest has been registered for further investigation police said.
Tsumane said: "We wish to convey our deepest condolences to both families, friend and colleagues, and also to encourage our members to consult with the EHW (Employee Health and Wellness), their local churches or parents if they are experiencing any challenges in their marriages, work or personal life."